Nipah Virus Survey in Bats in Eastern India
Author Information
Author(s): Mohandas Sreelekshmy, Patil Dilip, Mathapati Basavaraj, Rai Vishal, Shete Anita, Belani Sujeet, Kumar Abhinendra, Sahay Rima, Patil Deepak, Yadav Pragya D.
Primary Institution: ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, India
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of Nipah virus in Pteropus medius bats in eastern and northeastern India?
Conclusion
The study found that while throat and rectal swabs from bats were negative for Nipah virus, organ samples from two bats tested positive, indicating the presence of the virus in the region.
Supporting Evidence
- Two bats tested positive for Nipah virus in organ samples.
- Seroprevalence in bats ranged from 23% to 65% across the studied states.
- The study highlights the need for enhanced public health surveillance in the region.
Takeaway
Scientists checked bats in eastern India for a virus that can make people sick, and they found some bats had the virus, which means people nearby could be at risk.
Methodology
The study involved collecting throat and rectal swabs, blood samples, and organ samples from bats, followed by testing for Nipah virus using qRT-PCR and serological assays.
Limitations
The study did not collect urine or urogenital swabs, which are important for understanding virus shedding.
Participant Demographics
The study involved Pteropus medius bats from Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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